Friday, June 29, 2012

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!
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This film is based off the mash-up (a mixing of pre-existing text with a popular genre) novel, of the same name, written by Seth Grahame-Smith. This film follows the life story of Abraham Lincoln in a different light. The south is controlled by vampires who gain their blood from their slaves. Lincoln begins by learning to destroy vampires in order to avenge the death of his mother. He soon takes on the challenge of fighting against all vampires within the United States, and politically attempts to make America a country for the living. 

This film was directed by Timur Bekmambetov. Now, this film's story is not meant to be taken as historical fact, or a historical joke. The explanation is in the genre, Fantasy Action Horror. This is merely meant to present a fantasy horror story! However, the story does bring to light American history, and old American value's of freedom and honesty. The story as part of the monster genre was good. It created a new, dark image, for vampires. Shattering the image of the Cullen family. The story interjecting historical fact was combined into a gothic, and  satisfying, story. The story is moderately predictable, especially if you know you're history. However, the film itself hurt the story. There was an excessive amount of gore that could've been better spent adding more depth to stories emotional sequences. The film was done well cinematography wise playing with gothic colors, tons of computer animation, and colonial Washington. This film was shown more as an action film, and did its job at being a great action film. It was great watching the axe in motion. There was a lot of unnecessary computer animation, but it did work for the film. The weapons used gave the film its period fell, even if they weren't presented truthfully. The make-up effects for aging the actors was well done. 

The cast was good in this film. Benjamin Walker played the leading role of Abraham Lincoln. Now, Lincoln is a hard character pull off, because he had both charisma and presence. Unfortunately, Walker didn't give Lincoln the presence, or power, that was needed for the character. He was good giving Lincoln emotions, and was good at the action. Dominic Cooper played the role of Henry Sturgess. He was good in his role as the man who trained Lincoln to be a hunter. He needed to bring more emotion to his character, particularly when he talked about his past. Anthony Mackie played the role of Will Johnston. He was great in his role as a best friend. Jimmi Simpson played the role of Joshua Speed. He was great in his small role. There wasn't enough to make his character connect to the audience. Mary Elizabeth Winstead played the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. She was great in her role. She created the emotional wife, and gave the film its story. Rufus Sewell played the role of Adam. He was great as the general villain. Erin Wasson played the role of Vadoma. She did good in her small role. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's a great story, but it didn't transfer to film as well. It's a good action/horror film that brings evilness back to vampires. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Julianne Hough stared in the musical film Burlesque (as well as Rock of Ages). 

Que: what other film did director Timur Bekmambetov direct?

Cloverfield
Wanted
Hancock
Doomsday

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